Turkish Energy Minister, Taner Yildiz speaking on a Bayrak television broadcast, said that the Turkish seismic vessel ‘Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha’ remains in the Mediterranean. However explorations are being made outside disputed areas.
In response to a question about hydrocarbon exploration in the Mediterranean, Yildiz expressed the hope that oil and gas in the Med would become the catalyst for peace.
He said: “I believe that a development in this manner will happen in 2014. Therefore, I have to say that our first preference both technically and politically is not to be in disputable areas when is not compulsory especially in 2014”.
Yildiz went on to say:
“Of course, we have to build a structure [political] in which the gas in both Israel and in South Cyprus Local Administration [will] belong to the whole of Cyprus. We are exhibiting a consistent stance. As we say that the oil which is extracted in any area of Iraq belongs to the whole of Iraq, we say that the oil and natural gas which is extracted at any place of Cyprus belongs to all of Cyprus”.
Emphasising the need for a constructive approach in 2014, the Turkish Energy Minister added:
“We are seeing positive statements in South Cyprus Local Administration. I have to say that a positive response in the same manner is given by our side to these positive statements. We have to realize any energy value to be created in Cyprus by sharing it in a just manner and establishing its political feasibility. I wish for 2014 to be a year of gain in this sense”.
